Contra Costa NOW

February marks the start of Black History Month! And while this month is a chance to celebrate the contributions and accomplishments of Black Americans, it is also a reminder that we must continue in the fight for racial justice.

NOW Hear This: February 3, 2023 Newsletter

Message from National NOW President Christian F. Nunes

Happy Friday Feminists,

Now that Black History Month has begun, I hope you will take advantage of the many opportunities there are to dig deeper into the history, insights, and stories from the Black community that have shaped our country. 

The last few years have revealed significant disparities in how history is taught to children in this country as many schools have limited their inclusion of African American history. This is incredibly unfortunate because Black history is essential to understanding American history. So, I was disheartened to hear the College Board’s announcement – on the first day of Black History Month, no less – that they would revise their Advanced Placement African American History curriculum to satisfy unfounded criticisms from extremist leaders like Ron DeSantis. They are doing the students a great disservice to offer a watered down, whitewashed version of history that excludes important events, ideas, and communities as if they never existed.  

Despite attempts like this to rewrite history, this month is about learning and growing. Of course, I invite you to join me for the upcoming Racial Justice Summit, which will focus on Uniting the States of America: Tackling Jim and Jane Crow through Law. Throughout the event, we will feature a keynote on Critical Race Theory and hold engaging discussions on the insidious effects of voter suppression, removing barriers to BIPOC wealth, and raising awareness of missing sisters and loved ones. The event will feature dialogue between notable thought leaders, Congressional members, constituents, and stakeholders of all different backgrounds regarding racial justice.    

As NOW members, you know that learning is a form of resistance, and it is imperative that we learn the most comprehensive and complete version of history as possible. The future is counting on it. 

In solidarity, 

Christian 

After selecting the recipients of our 2022 Contra Costa NOW university scholarships, we decided to check back with our first 2 winners of the 2021 scholarships.  We are pleased to acknowledge that both continue to succeed in their academic initiatives, contribute positively to their respective communities, and progress notably in the pursuit of their career goals.

Sia´h Fanta Jimissa

Sia´h just finished her second year at UC Berkeley and is currently finishing up her application for the Public Health major.  Sia´h´s extracurricular activities include serviing as the K-12 Recruitment Coordinator for the Black Recruitment and Retention Center, a student organization that hosts programs to encourage Black students to pursue and complete college. She was able to create and host programs including a scholarship and a shadow day for Black high school students.  This summer, she is participating in the UCSF Children’s Hospital’s Student Summer Research Program, an especially valuable opportunity for a Public Health major.

Thyra Anastashia Cobbs

Thyra is currently double majoring in African American studies and History, and minoring in African studies at UCLA.   She is in the Honors program, the Academic Achievement Program (AAP), and the Bruin Scholars program for foster youth/students who have been in guardianship. She has also been accepted for the McNair Research Scholars program and is currently researching the effects of Afrocentric psychological interventions on UCLA’s Black population. Next spring quarter, Thyra will be teaching a student-led seminar on Afrocentric Black Psychology through the Honors Program.   She is also engaging in student activism and leadership, having been appointed as the Transfer Coordinator for the African Student Union and will soon be applying to serve as the Campus Director of Mental Health in UCLA’s student government.

Meetup in Martinez & Bus to Sacramento
Action groups from across the East Bay will attend the Bans Off Our Body March & Rally at the California State Capitol Building in Sacramento.  Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California (PPAC) has generously agreed to cover the cost of buses for those who would like to ride together (masks required on board).
Waiver forms will be available and required.

Location: Martinez CourtHouse
725 Court St, Martinez, CA 94553

Time: Meetup at 8:30
Buses Leave at 9:30 Sharp

Agenda
8:30 – Gathering at Martinez Courthouse
8:40  – 9:15 Engaging speakers will rally the crowd
9:15 – move to buses or cars to drive to Sacramento
9:30 – Buses leave (no latecomers)
11:00 – March & Rally in Sacramento
3:00 – Buses leave Sacramento returning to Martinez (no latecomers)
4:00 – Buses arrive in Martinez  (time is approximate)

More details about speakers to follow  –

Sign up here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bans-off-our-body-meetup-bus-to-martinez-tickets-335787799347

Contra Costa NOW
Election 2022 Endorsements

Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, District 4:  Carlyn Obringer  https://www.carlynobringer.com/

Contra Costa County Assessor:  Floy Andrews  https://www.floyforassessor.com/

Past Controversies Loom In Assessor Race
From an Article in the East Bay Times

To view the article click link below

https://enewspaper.eastbaytimes.com/infinity/article_popover_share.aspx?guid=dc002fed-f74e-4cbd-a6e0-a40421459197

NOW Supports National Week of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women